#messier 21

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The Lagoon Nebula (M8, lower right), the Trifid Nebula (M20, upper right), and NGC 6559 (left) // Julien De Winter, Victor, Cédric Humbert, & Charles Robert

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Trifid Nebula M20 (left) and M21 (right)

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Behold the Trifid Nebula, aka Messier 20, found about 5,000 light-years away, a colorful study in cosmic contrasts. In the top left is open star cluster Messier 21.

(NASA/APOD)

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The Trifid Nebula (M20, right) and Webb's Cross (M21, lower left) // Maël BORDERIE

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The Trifid Nebula (M20, top) and Webb's Cross (M21, lower right) // Kevin Kurtz

Located near the Trifid Nebula is Webb's Cross! This open cluster is relatively young and tightly packed; the cluster's age is estimated to be about 6.6 million years old.

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Webb's Cross, M21 // AnaTa

Seen here by itself, Webb's Cross is just under 4,000 light years from Earth and contains about 100 stars within its gravitational clutches. This was another original discovery of Messier's in 1764.

I have no idea who Webb was and why it's his cross. Anyone know?

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The Trifid Nebula (M20) and Webb’s Cross (M21, upper right) // Ron Or-El

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Webb’s Cross, M21 // Wanni